Ciabatta French Toast with Warm Apple Maple Syrup

INGREDIENTS

• 1/4 cup apple cider
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons butter
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped shallots
• 2 cups sliced McIntosh apples
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 6 (2-ounce) slices ciabatta bread
• 3 ounces Gruyère cheese, cut into thin slices
• 1/2 cup fat-free milk
• 1/3 cup low-fat buttermilk
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 large egg
• 1 large egg white
• 4 teaspoons butter, divided
• 3 tablespoons chopped pecans, toasted